The day is blustery and beautiful.

It’s Jingle Bells time. The shops are bustling, parking’s a pain, and the council is busy putting up Xmas lights on the tree in front of the Spur. The day is also blustery and beautiful. It feels as if it would be a crime to write about bad news.

I mean, this is December. Give me a break! And so I head for what I consider to be the nicest place in town. Storar’s second-hand shop. It’s a treasure trove and a people’s place. The people call you by your name and they remember little things about you.

Cathrine Allen (right) and Helen Matthews.

Today I want to know of Cathrine Allen, who presides over the shop with so much grace, what she will be making for lunch on Christmas Day. Cathrine: “This is our first Christmas back in Melkbos. I feel happy! I normally make trifle on Christmas Eve. I put in sponge cake, jelly, cherries, cream, banana, caramel pudding and grate chocolate on top. I also make Pineapple Delight. My granny always made it and I continue with the tradition.”

Sally Mazaleni.

Next I ask Sally Mazaleni who is busy mopping the floor about her Christmas plans. She talks and mops at the same time. Sally, “My daughter Elizabeth Greeff will be doing the baking as I’m not a baker. Elizabeth used to work for the coffee shop in the Pick n Pay centre. She will make cakes and see that the food gets on the table. We spend Christmas at home. We visit family on New Year’s day.”

Corlell Herald Haroon Wallsee.

Storars’ handyman Carlell Herald Haroon Wallsee takes a break and comes over to talk. “My name is Carlell, like Superman,” he says. “I board with people in Wolwerivier. I’ll take Christmas day as it comes. I take every day as it comes. All of my family live in Australia. I’m here due to decisions I made. I won’t be alone. There will be friends around.”